Looking for some fun ideas for fast last-minute Handmade gift ideas? Here's a list of handmade projects to sew for lots of people on your list including mom, neighbors, teachers, kids, friends, etc.
As we're staring down the barrel of the last days before Christmas, I've rounded up a bunch of ideas and tutorials for last-minute handmade gifts. All of these come together quickly and use up something you might already have on hand (i.e. fabric) to save you that additional trip out in the cold or standing in line somewhere. You're welcome. 😉
Here are 30 quick ideas for last-minute handmade gift ideas. (Or pin this post for next year.)
Handmade Gifts to Sew for the Kitchen
Kitchen gift set - pot holder and dishtowel from Crazy Mom Quilts
These round, quilted pot holders from the Polkadot Chair are so cute - and come with printable gift tag options!
Oven mitt pattern from Dana Made It - so cute and a fun way to use favorite fabrics!
Here's another charming variation on hot pads: how cute are these woven hot pads with cross-stitch embellishment from Stitched Modern ? I can think of so many simple variations on this idea. Plus, a great project for teaching new stitch-ers.
Half Apron tutorial from Delia Creates
I love the modern look of linen cross back aprons - tutorial from Farmhouse on Boone.
Kids Apron patterns and tutorials
Embellished Child's Apron tutorial from the Polkadot Chair
A few other kid's apron options:
- Simple child's apron video tutorial from My Sew Bliss
- Kid's Apron from a Fat Quarter from Somewhat Simple
- Make a simple Kids Apron from a Dishtowel from Live Free Creative
Handmade gifts for personal use:
Fabric-covered notebook tutorial from Crazy Little Projects
Love the updated, more sophisticated look of this version with snaps. Tutorial from Orange Bettie.
Fabric Bookmark Tutorial from Quilter's Candy
Another cute bookmark variation from Ameroonie Designs - and perfect for using up your scraps.
Also from Amy at Ameroonie Designs this fabric lanyard, chapstick holder, and mini wallet combination is SO cute. You could make any combination. You can also find a video tutorial to walk you through the mini wallet construction.
Another option is also a wrist strap version found here.
See a whole list of similar projects from Amy Chappell that you could make in a weekend.
Felt and flannel pocket handwarmers tutorial is perfect for a last-minute gift you can make in bulk and keep by the door as a little gift to someone who needs both hands and heart warmed.
Ouch Pouch - handmade pouch with first aid supplies
Fabric Key Chain on cotton webbing - tutorial from Jedi Craft Girl
Another fabric keychain version here made only from fabric.
What about Handmade Quilted Slippers? Tutorial from Kymona Tracey at Suzy Quilts
Easy Monogramed Fleece Blanket
Or this fleece blanket variation with added trim options to make them a little fancier from It's Always Autumn
Reversible Winter Scarf tutorial
Hair "Scruchies" are also a popular item this year. Here's how to make your own scrunchie.
Last-minute Handmade Gifts to sew for the Home
The Scandi Throw Pillow tutorial is a quick project with a modern look.
Pillowcases are always a useful gift and a fun thing to personalize. I made a bunch of these a few years ago for nieces and nephews. I also love the "burrito" pillow case method. Tutorial available HERE from the Seasoned Homemaker. This method is so slick and gives the cuff a nice, clean finish.
If you're using fabric with a directional print, then I recommend this version of the Burrito Pillowcase method for directional fabric.
Here are three options for adorable Handmade Quilted Coaster tutorials: Strawberries, Leaf, or traditional Quilt Blocks
Fabric-covered buttons for magnets, pins, paper clips, etc. are super easy to make and fun for featuring fussy-cut fabric.
One-hour fabric basket pattern from Kelby Sews
Classy Fabric Trays tutorial from Noodlehead perfect for corralling 'stuff'
Rice heating bag/bed warmer tutorial from Bobbin Quilts. (Image from Calli Taylor)
Handmade Pouch and Bag Tutorials
These simple Fat Quarter Bags whip up really quickly.
Simple Sturdy Tote Bag Tutorial - classic style, easy to make, perfect for hauling important things.
Mini zipper pouch with ring
There are abundant tutorials for cute zipper pouches. This pencil pouch is found here. This post has a great round-up of 20 more zipper pouches in various styles and designs for your inspiration.
Here's a great, simple version using Oilcloth: Oilcloth Zipper Pouch
This Modern Messenger Bag is easy to make with a flap cover
There's a bunch of ideas to get you started. If you're looking for other ideas, check out this Handmade Gifts Pinterest Board.
Every year I try to get organized ahead of time and enjoy the peace and magic of the season, so that I'm not rushing around like a crazy person. Some years I'm more successful than others. This year I've got Christmas cards spread out on the family room floor - hopefully I'll get those out today. I've also crossed "binge-eating half a batch of chocolate cookies", "sick kid on the couch", and "crying at Costco" off my to-do list, so I'm counting that as good progress! haha.
Good luck with all of the final Christmas prep!
Robby says
My Christmas list looks a bit like yours although the last few years mine has included, "Will it really be missed? Then, I'm saving my sanity and not worrying about it." That was said at the Costco parking lot yesterday. Hope you and your family have a joyous Christmas with nothing missed, including your sanity.
Amy Smart says
Thanks for the good reminder. So true! I feel like I'm doing a lot of that this year. All the important stuff will happen. The rest isn't important. 😉
aquilterstable says
Lots of great ideas - thanks for sharing!
Amy Smart says
Thanks Debbie!
Kerry says
Sick kid on the couch - check. Luckily, he seems to be better today and it's not the dreaded stomach bug that's going around. Hang in there. Don't forget to breathe.
Amy Smart says
oh boy - you too! (*Please no stomach bugs!*)
Carol Poelman says
ha. You made me smile -- crossing off "Binge eating.." "sick kid..." and "crying at Costco." 🙂 I've been there before. I hope you also cross off "Read a good book" and "Take a nap". Thanks for the ideas. I used the foot warmer tutorial for my sisters this year -- they always have cold feet at night. I hope they find them useful. And I made a few "hand warmers" for the kids to warm up after playing in the snow - but I like the name pocket warmers better, I hadn't ever thought of putting them in pockets. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Amy Smart says
Hah - yes! Looking forward to books and naps! Another reason the week AFTER Christmas is one of my favorites of the year. I think that's when I enjoy the season the most. 😉
Carol Gillen says
Can't wait to make that scarf! Merry Christmas, Amy.
Amy Smart says
Thanks Carol! Merry Christmas to you too!
farmhousequiltsblog says
Your post made me laugh! Thanks for those last minute ideas...love those!
Merry Christmas!
Vicki says
Crying at Costco! Oh no! I've done it, too -- I actually walked through with my sunglasses on (I know, real slick, huh?). My four year old son'a been on a real winning streak this week: he has cut open all the amazon packages and told his siblings what they're getting for Christmas, destroyed the blinds, gave himself a haircut/bald spot, and peed on his sister (!!). All I know is, I better get some sewing time this afternoon or it'll be Ugly! 🙂
Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows, BC Canada says
Hiya Amy!
I love this round up!
I'm sorry to bother you during this busy, busy week, but I wanted to know where you got your quad-ruled composition book that you made the aqua pearl bracelets cover for(your photo above)?
Quilty Huggs!
Amy Smart says
My friend gave that to me - I'm not sure where it came from, but I'll ask! Sorry I can't help sooner!
Lee says
Thank you for all the ideas! have a very very happy holiday with your family!
Michele Mishler says
Your list and comments made me laugh and made my day! I love your last minute gifts and if (big IF! 7 year old under foot!) I can make it to the sewing room, I would love to make quilted slippers! This year doesn't seem very Christmasy at the moment, Hubby and oldest daughter are both recovering from a knee replacement, and I think I'm two weeks behind! Nothing like a good laugh to change my whole outlook. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Joanne says
A blessing to fall upon your website. Traditions carrying on and gratitude beyond. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Victoria says
He will definitely make a gift with my child
Cynthia Gadra says
Hi Amy,
As a quilter and sewist, I’m sure you can relate to the amount of emails I get on these topics, many of which I start out thinking I’ll use, but unfortunately end up unsubscribing to! However, I just started getting yours and am truly hooked! Great information, tutorials and stories! Thanks for all you share, much of which I plan to use soon, and have a happy holiday!
PS: And I never post a comment!
Amy says
Aww, thank you, Cynthia! That means a lot!
Mary A Joanis says
I just made 5 of the simple tote bags with short handles to give on New year's and they were so simple. I used a silky lining for the bags and they turned out perfect. Thank you thank you.